How early can a Seattle bar legally open?

Q: I know bars have to close in Washington at 2 a.m. But when can they open again?

A: 6 a.m.

Washington Administrative Code 314-11-070 specifies that licensees or their employees can’t sell, offer or deliver liquor between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. During those hours, it’s also illegal for licensees or their employees to allow liquor to be consumed or removed from their premises.

The Ballard Smoke Shop at 5439 Ballard Ave. N.W. is one. Along with beer, wine and liquor, the Smoke Shop also has food and pull tabs.

Another good 6 a.m. spot is the Rimrock Steakhouse in Lake City, Seely said.

“With its western mural and thirsty clientele, the Rimrock Steakhouse would feel just as at home in Sheridan, Wyoming as in northeast Seattle, and opens at 6 a.m. every morning, serving 9-to-5 regulars Vegas-priced breakfasts and pre-shift nips,” he wrote in the dive bar guide. “The Rimrock’s bar is called the Stirrup room, and it’s owner and operated by an erstwhile Wedgwood Broiler waitress named Connie Dunn, who refers to it simply as ‘a drinking man’s bar.'”

If you’re further south and want to start drinking early, Seely points to The Locker Room in White Center, at 9633 16th Ave. S.W.

In a note unrelated to the 6 a.m. bars, my favorite part of Seely’s book is how he describes the Ozzie’s of his youth as the B.A.B.S. period – Before Axe Body Spray. If you’ve been to Ozzie’s recently, you’ll get the reference.

Thanks to the people who submitted questions. Previous answers are linked below.